For more than three decades, Bynum has worked to advance economic opportunity for disenfranchised populations. He began his professional career by helping to establish Self-Help, a pioneer in the development finance industry, and later built nationally recognized programs at the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center. A recipient of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, John P. McNulty Prize and University of North Carolina Distinguished Alumnus Award, Bynum served ten years as Chairman of Treasury’s Community Development Advisory Board, advising Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama on financial services matters. He chairs the

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Advisory Board and is a member of the US Partnership for Mobility from Poverty, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Since 1994 Bynum’s “HOPE” entities have provided financial services, leveraged private and public resources, and shaped policies that have benefited more than 650,000 residents in the Delta and other distressed parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. “This was evident during one of the worst disasters in the history of our country, Hurricane Katrina. Bill and Hope Credit Union helped rebuild homes and revitalize devastated areas in New Orleans. I visited some of those restored areas in 2011 with Hope Credit Union, and marveled at the compassion and humanity Bill displays for others. Congratulations, Bill. We are very proud of you.” -Anderson remarked.

History of the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award

This prestigious award is presented annually recognizing a credit union professional or volunteer whose career best embodies the African-American Credit Union Coalition’s mission to increase the strength of the global credit union community. Sustained excellence is a hallmark of the recipients. The recipient will have demonstrated support for the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Organized and/or provided significant assistance to credit unions in need. Has constructively impacted the infrastructure, growth, legislative, regulatory, image and/or service delivery capacity of the credit union community.

In August 2003, Pete Crear received the inaugural African-American Credit Union Lifetime Achievement Award and was further honored by having the award named after him and a college scholarship established in his name. Crear is retired and the past President and Chief Executive Officer of The World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. (WOCCU). Crear is considered a credit union pioneer.

Announcements

AACUC Inducts 3 into Hall of Fame(March 1, 2018)The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), inducted three credit union leaders into its Hall of Fame during an induction reception at the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington DC Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Read More